Peach tree named ‘NJ357’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct peach variety of  Prunus persica  named ‘NJ357’ is provided. This variety is distinguished from other peach varieties by its unique combination of showy flowers, large, nearly round, freestone fruit, with an attractive red blush and orange-red mottle over a bright yellow-orange ground color, ripening in midseason, with yellow-orange, firm, juicy flesh, and sweet, subacid flavor that is maintained following cold storage.

Latin name of genus and species of the plant claimed: Prunus persica L.

Variety denomination: ‘NJ357’.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

NONE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of peachtree named ‘NJ357’. Our new tree resulted from crossing our proprietarypeach seedling selection ‘H15-20-90258’ (non-patented) as the seedparent with ‘Summerprince’ (non-patented) peach tree, as the pollenparent. The new variety differs from seed parent ‘H15-20-90258’ in thatthe new variety produces viable pollen and has a more sweetness andaromatics. The new variety differs from pollen parent ‘Summerprince’ inthat the new variety produces larger fruit that are sweet and loweracidity. The resulting tree was selected when growing in a cultivatedarea as the 47^(th) tree in the 7^(th) row of Block H at a fruitresearch farm in Cream Ridge, N.J.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The ‘NJ357’ variety is distinguished from related cultivar ‘Autumnglo’(unpatented), in that ‘NJ357’ fruit has a sweet, subacid flavor, andripens in mid-season, whereas ‘Autumnglo’ fruit has an acidic flavor,and ripens about 4 weeks later. ‘NJ357’ differs from the relatedcultivar ‘Encore’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,572), in that ‘NJ357’ fruit hasa sweet, subacid flavor, and ripens in mid-season, whereas ‘Encore’fruit has an acidic flavor, and ripens about 4 weeks later. The ‘NJ357’variety may also be distinguished from other peach varieties due to thefollowing unique combination of characteristics:

-   -   Nearly round fruit with a low tendency to split when adequately        cropped.    -   Large, yellow-orange fleshed fruit, with an attractive red blush        and orange-red mottle over a bright yellow-orange ground color.    -   Excellent production of firm fruit that ripen in midseason.    -   Fruit with a good to very good eating quality and sweet, subacid        flavor.

The variety was asexually reproduced at a fruit research farm in CreamRidge, N.J. Asexual reproduction of this new variety by budding onto‘Lovell’ peach seedling rootstock (non-patented) shows that theforegoing characteristics are so reproduced.

The following detailed description concerns the original tree, ‘NJ357’.The original tree and asexual progeny have been observed growing in acultivated area at the fruit research farm in Cream Ridge, N.J. Certaincharacteristics of this variety, such as growth and color, may changewith changing environmental conditions (such as, light, temperature,moisture, nutrient availability) or other factors. Color descriptionsand other terminology are used in accordance with their ordinarydictionary descriptions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Color designations are made with reference to The Royal HorticulturalSociety (R.H.S.) Colour Chart (1966)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This new variety is illustrated by the accompanying photographicdrawings, depicting the peach tree by the best possible colorrepresentation using color photography. Colors are approximate as colordepends on horticultural practices, such as light level, fertilizationrate, and other conditions and, therefore, the color characteristics ofthis new variety should be determined with reference to the observationsdescribed herein, rather than from these illustrations alone.

FIG. 1 is a color photograph taken on Aug. 22, 2014, of a characteristictwig of an approximately six (6) year old ‘N1357’ bearing typical leavesof the foliage.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph taken on Aug. 11, 2014 of characteristicmature fruit and stones of an approximately six (6) year old ‘NJ357’.Whole fruit are presented in three positions and both a transverse andlongitudinal cross section to illustrate that the pericarp does notadhere to the pit when the fruit is mature. The stones exemplify theobovate shape and pits and grooves on the surface of the stone.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph of a characteristic twig that illustratesthe typical flower buds and large, showy flowers of an approximately six(6) year old ‘NJ357’ observed on a tree at the fruit research farm inCream Ridge, N.J. on Apr. 21, 2015.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph of a an approximately six (6) year olddormant tree of ‘NJ357’, prior to pruning, in late winter thatillustrates the spreading growth habit of a tree at the fruit researchfarm in Cream Ridge, N.J. on Feb. 8, 2016.

FIG. 5 is a color photograph taken on Mar. 17, 2015 of immature bark ofan approximately six (6) year old ‘NJ357’ that illustrates color and themoderate density of conspicuous elliptic lenticels on the immature bark.

FIG. 6 is a color photograph taken on Mar. 11, 2015 of mature bark of anapproximately six (6) year old ‘NJ357’ that illustrates the grey color,areas of shallow exfoliation, and slightly rough texture of the maturebark.

The colors of and illustration of this type may vary with lighting andother conditions under which conditions and, therefore, colorcharacteristics of this new variety should be determined with referenceto the observations described herein, rather than from theseillustrations alone.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the ‘NJ357’ variety is based onobservations of an asexually reproduced tree. The observed tree was sixyears of age and growing on ‘Lovell’ seedling rootstock (non-patented)at said fruit research farm in Cream Ridge, N.J.

-   Scientific name: Prunus persica L.-   Parentage:    -   -   Seed parent.—‘H15-20-90258’. Pollen parent: ‘Summerprince’.-   Tree:    -   -   Vigor.—Vigorous.        -   Plant hardiness zone.—Growth of plants has only been            observed in zone 6b.        -   Dormant flower bud cold tolerance.—At least to −20° C.        -   Time of leaf bud burst.—Typically in mid-April when grown in            Cream Ridge, N.J., but can vary by one to two weeks.        -   Overall shape.—Spreading.        -   Height.—Average as compared to other peach cultivars. For            example, measurement of a typical grafted tree on ‘Lovell’            peach seedling rootstock (non-patented) at six years after            planting shows an average height of 3.4 meters when grown in            Cream Ridge, N.J.        -   Width.—Average as compared to other peach cultivars. For            example, measurement of a typical grafted tree on ‘Lovell’            peach seedling rootstock (non-patented) at six years after            planting shows an average width of 4.3 meters when grown in            Cream Ridge, N.J.        -   Caliper.—Six year old tree is 48 cm. in circumference            measured at 20 cm. from the ground.-   Trunk and branches:    -   -   Trunk bark texture.—Slightly rough with areas of shallow            exfoliation.        -   Trunk bark color.—Grey (RHS 201C).        -   Primary branches.—Branches that are approximately 16 cm. in            circumference are greyed-orange (RHS 176B) overlaid with            grey (RHS 201B).        -   Lenticels.—Moderate density, approximately 1.1 per square            cm; elliptical in shape and conspicuous; typical examples of            which averaged 5.5 mm. in length and 2.2 mm. in width; grey            (RHS 201D) in color becoming greyed-orange (RHS 174B)            towards the center.        -   Branch pubescence.—None.        -   New growth bark.—Greyed-purple (RHS 183A) in sun; color            yellow-green (RHS 152D) in shade overlaid with greyed-red            (RHS 182b).        -   Internodes.—Length averaging 22.2 mm. on a one-year shoot.-   Leaves:    -   -   Texture.—Glabrous, both surfaces        -   Sheen.—Young leaves semi-glossy with a flat finish on the            underside.        -   Length.—About 165 mm. to 191 mm., averaging about 175 mm.            including the petiole.        -   Width.—About 31 mm. to 37 mm., averaging about 35 mm.        -   Petiole.—Averaging 9.4 mm. long and about 2.0 mm. in            diameter; Color yellow-green (146 B).        -   Margin.—Crenate.        -   Margin undulation.—Wavy.        -   Form.—Lanceolate, and concave in cross section.        -   Apex.—Sharply acuminate, curved downward.        -   Base.—Acute.        -   Venation.—Pinnate.        -   Glands.—Number: About 2 to 4, averaging about 2.7. Position:            Mostly located on the petiole, occasionally on the leaf            margin near its base. Size: Length averaging 1.6 mm. and            width averaging 1.2 mm. Form: Reniform.        -   Stipules.—Stipules are present on immature leaves, but they            are not persistent; typically, two per immature leaf, with            an average length of 10.3 mm; color is yellow-green (RHS 146            B), becoming yellow-green (152 A) just prior to dehiscence.            No stipules observed on mature leaves.        -   Leaf color.—Upper leaf surface: Yellow-green (between RHS            146A and RHS 147B). Lower leaf surface: Yellow-green (RHS            147B). Vein: Yellow-green (RHS 145C).        -   Pubescence.—None.-   Flowers:    -   -   Size.—Large size, typical flower measuring between 39 mm. to            46 mm, averaging about 42 mm. across.        -   Color.—Dormant bud: Grey (RHS 201D) becoming Grey (RHS 201A)            near the base. Pink stage bud: Red (between RHS 55A and RHS            55B). Open flower: Red (between RHS 55B and RHS 55D).        -   Petals.—Typically five petals per flower; slightly cupped,            slightly elliptic to nearly round, with slight undulation at            the margin, averaging about 21.3 mm. long and 17.6 mm. wide.        -   Upper petal color.—Red (between RHS 55B and RHS 55D).        -   Lower petal color.—Red (between RHS 55B and RHS 55D.        -   Petal apex.—Obtuse, nearly rounded.        -   Petal base.—Cuneate.        -   Stamens.—Position: perigynous and near the point of            attachment of the petals. Number: Variable, typical range 40            and 48, averaging 43.4. Length: Variable, between 9.8 mm. to            16 mm, averaging 13.0 mm. Filament color: White (RHS 155C).            Anther color: Orange-red (between RHS 34B and RHS 34C).        -   Stigma.—Located at approximately the same level as the            majority of the stamens.        -   Pistil.—Number: One. Size: Length between 16 and 28 mm.,            averaging 20.1 mm. Pistil color: Yellow-green (RHS 145C).            Ovary: Moderate, long pubescence and ellipsoid in shape,            color yellow-green (RHS 145B).        -   Sepals.—Number: Five. Pubescence: Length short, heavy            density. Color: Greyed-red (RHS 182C) to greyed-purple (RHS            183B) becoming greyed-green (RHS 146D) near the margin.            Shape: Triangular, with a rounded apex; Size: Length            averaging 6.6 mm, width averaging 4.3 mm.        -   Nectar cup color.—Greyed-orange (between RHS 169B and RHS            169C).        -   Pollen.—Abundant, tree produces viable pollen and is            typically self-fruitful; yellow (RHS 11A) in color.        -   Fragrance.—Very slight.        -   Bloom season.—Onset of bloom in 2014 on April 16; full bloom            on April 24.-   Fruit:    -   -   Size.—Large, averaging about 7.2 cm. long, 7.5 cm. wide            parallel to the suture and 6.9 cm. wide perpendicular to the            suture.        -   Typical weight.—220 g.        -   Form.—Longitudinal section: Nearly round; slightly lipped at            apex; Traverse section: Nearly round.        -   Suture.—Very shallow, extending from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth at its base, becoming lipped            towards the apex.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Flat to slightly depressed.        -   Stem.—Average length of 9.1 mm. and an average diameter of            4.3 mm.        -   Skin.—Thickness: Medium. Surface: Pubescent, generally light            and short. Tenacity: Medium. Astringency: None. Tendency to            crack: Low. Color: Blush is between red (RHS 46A) and            greyed-purple (RHS 183A); mottle and stripes are orange-red            (between RHS 34A and RHS 34B); ground color is yellow-orange            (between RHS 21C and RHS 22D).        -   Fruit properties.—Flesh color: Yellow-orange (RHS 16C).            Flesh adhesion: Freestone. Juice: Moderate. Firmness: above            average. Texture: Firm, but melting. Fibers: Not noticeable.            Ripens: Between July 25 and August 6 at Cream Ridge, N.J.            Flavor: Sweet, subacid. Soluble solids: 11.7%. Aroma:            Slight. Eating quality: Good to very good. Keeping quality:            Medium. Has held its flavor and firmness for at least 14            days in cold storage at 1° C. to 2° C. May develop some            inking after storage. Shipping quality: Good. No bruising or            scaring disorders have been observed.        -   Usage.—Dessert.        -   Market.—Local and long distance.        -   Productivity.—Excellent, though varies greatly depending            upon conditions inclusive of winter and spring temperatures,            rainfall, tree density, pruning methods, soil type,            fertilization, irrigation, and degree of fruit thinning.            Trees have produced a full crop in 8 out of 10 years, and at            least a partial crop in 9 out of 10 years at Cream Ridge,            N.J.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Freestone.        -   Form.—Obovate.        -   Base.—Medium.        -   Apex.—Narrow.        -   Surface.—Pits and grooves.        -   Ventral suture.—Medium to large.        -   Dorsal ridge.—Medium to high, broad width, forming deep            lines.        -   External color.—Greyed-orange (RHS 165D).        -   Cavity surface color.—Greyed-orange (RHS 165D), mottled with            greyed-orange (RHS 165C).        -   Average stone dry weight.—6.6 g.        -   Average stone wall thickness.—Varies between 5.3 mm. along            the dorsal ridge to 9.4 mm. at the base.        -   Size.—Averages about 39.5 mm. long, 24.6 mm. wide parallel            the dorsal ridge, and 19.9 mm. wide perpendicular to the            dorsal ridge.        -   Tendency to split.—Typically low when well cropped.-   Kernel:    -   -   Form.—Elliptic to slightly obovate.        -   Skin color.—Greyed-orange (between RHS 163B and RHS 163C).        -   Vein color.—Greyed-orange (RHS 163A).        -   Viability.—Yes, but may need to be germinated in tissue            culture.        -   Size.—Averages about 17.1 mm. long, 11.7 mm. wide, and            1.8 mm. in breadth.-   Plant/fruit disease and pest resistance/susceptibility: No atypical    resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural    practices.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asherein shown and described.